{"id":18480,"date":"2025-04-20T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/?p=18480"},"modified":"2025-04-20T14:39:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T20:39:48","slug":"reviewing-hb-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/reviewing-hb-24\/","title":{"rendered":"Reviewing HB 24"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Idaho HB 24<\/a> would have \u201cestablished labeling requirements for alternative animal protein products sold in Idaho, such as lab-grown meat and insect-based proteins.\u201d Rep. Scott<\/a> presented it to the House Agricultural Affairs Committee on January 16<\/a>, 2025, and Rep. Garner<\/a> made a motion to introduce it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On February 4<\/a>, 2025 HB 24 was again discussed in the Committee, page 2. This time, Elizabeth Criner<\/a>, Food Northwest<\/a>, JR Simplot Company; Douglas Jones<\/a>, Growers for Biotechnology; Melinda Merrill<\/a>, NW Grocery; and Pam Eaton<\/a>, Idaho Retailers Association all opposed the bill. The basis for this opposition was that \u201cnational labeling standards already ensure consistency for consumers\u201d, and if passed, \u201corganizations may be required to use two different labels\u2014one for Idaho and another for other states.\u201d Rep. David Cannon<\/a> made a motion to hold HB 24 in Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RS 32147 was then introduced by Rep. Scott, which intended to establish labeling requirements for alternative animal proteins, and outline regulatory oversight that would include penalties for non-compliance. Rep. Cannon motioned to introduce RS 32147. A substitute motion to return it to the sponsor was made by Rep. Shirts<\/a> and was carried. Thus ended the attempt at labeling lab grown meats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the biographies, none of those in opposition appear to hold any type of science degree, and it is highly doubtful any of them conducted any extensive research into the processes that create lab grown meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2023, the federal government<\/a> declared<\/a> lab grown meat, also called cell cultivated meat<\/a>, is safe<\/a> to consume, and approved its sale in the U.S. Good Meat<\/a> and Upside Foods<\/a> were given the green light to move forward with producing and selling cell cultivated chicken, but only to select restaurants<\/a>. Bill Gates, an investor<\/a> in Upside, and the World Economic Forum<\/a> were probably thrilled with this announcement. After all, \u201cCell-based meat has been named<\/a> one of the World Economic Forum\u2019s \u201cTop 10 Emerging Technologies<\/a> of 2018\u201d and has been lauded as a viable solution to animal-production challenges\u201d. Hooray, billions of people not even born yet will be saved<\/a> from starvation! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rejoice! Pesky cows<\/a> will be saved from slaughter with reduced numbers, it is a climate change solution, deforestation<\/a> from grazing will decrease so the forests will be saved and more carbon can be captured with land not used for grazing, lives will be healthier<\/a>, and there will be less food borne illness<\/a>! It is a win-win-win for all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then why are Americans so skeptical<\/a>? FL<\/a>, AL<\/a>, and MS<\/a> banned lab grown meat with TN<\/a> and SD<\/a> unable to pass legislation, while NE<\/a>, MT<\/a>, and WY<\/a> are working on legislation to do the same. Even though the issue of labeling falls<\/a> under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Federal Drug Administration (FDA), IA<\/a>, TX<\/a>, NC<\/a>, SD<\/a>, IN<\/a>, OK<\/a>, SC<\/a>, AR<\/a>. KS<\/a>, MI<\/a>, KY<\/a>, and TN<\/a> either have or are working on legislation with labeling requirements while AZ<\/a> and ID<\/a> bills failed. Surprisingly, this opposition has ruffled some feathers<\/a> in the meat industry. Heck, if Italy<\/a> can ban lab grown meat why can’t the United States? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the uproar and concern since the government proclaims these products are safe? Healthy distrust<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As it turns out, lab grown may not<\/a> be good<\/a> for the environment<\/a>, or health<\/a> after all. But beyond that, what effect does consuming it have on humans?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process<\/a> to create lab grown or cell cultivated meat is pretty straightforward and simple. Stem cells are taken from an animal’s muscle tissue and placed in a medium of nutrients and growth factors where cells can multiply. Once multiplied, cells are placed in a bioreactor<\/a> around scaffolding<\/a> so they will grow, then harvested when a muscle has formed. Sounds pretty harmless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But for all the accolades about safety, there are concerning processes buried deep in the research. An attempt will be made here to explain just one critical, albeit dangerous, step in that process at the cellular level in simple terms but the studies are linked for those who want a deeper explanation. Bottom line, genetic engineering at the cellular level creates cells that are very concerning for human health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Mechanism of Production<\/strong> in this 2022 study<\/a>, it states the method of production involves \u201ca combination of tissue and food engineering\u201d and that \u201dinduced pluripotent<\/a> stem cells\u201d are \u201cpossible sources of stem cells\u201d. In other words, these are genome reprogrammed cells, genetically altered. Under the Health Safety<\/strong> section, referring to culture mediums, it states, \u201cresearchers are unaware of whether these compounds have any short-term or long-term harmful effects on human health\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to understand p53. This is the gene in cells that suppress<\/a> the formation of tumors through various mechanisms. When the p53 fails, mutates, or is damaged, there is no longer any tumor suppressor protection at the cellular level, and \u201cis the most frequently mutated<\/a> gene in human cancer\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As noted, pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are used for cell proliferation, meaning the cells can multiply rapidly. In this 2017 study<\/a>, it was noted that p53 \u201cmutations we observed<\/a> are dominant negative and are the mutations most commonly seen in human cancers.\u201d In other words, genetically altered hPSCs can result in damage to p53 similar to what is found in human cancer. Because of that damage cells are no longer able to suppress tumors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this 2021 study<\/a>, under Conclusions<\/strong>, it states, \u201cThere are still several unanswered questions<\/a> about how to establish immortalized cell lines suitable for human consumption as cultured meat…\u201d. Primary cell lines die over time and \u201crequires that donor herds of animals be kept to provide biopsies\u201d so immortalized cells are preferred. \u201cImmortalized cells<\/a> have altered tumour suppressor genes so the cell can divide indefinitely\u201d and are desired in the cultivated meat process because it speeds up the creation of cells. By creating immortalized cells, the p53 gene is turned off so the cell will proliferate, or multiply more rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study goes on to say, \u201cIn addition, to the loss of function that a mutation in TP53<\/em> may cause, many p53 mutants are able to actively promote tumor development by several other means.\u201d So, tumor suppressing p53 is inactivated to create an immortal cell line, thus disrupting the ability to suppress cancer cells, but in turn may promote tumor development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This author<\/a> made some bold, but accurate, claims, \u201cOne of the biggest concerns with lab-grown meat is the manipulation of DNA. To make the cells grow continuously, scientists alter the DNA…\u201d. \u201cLab-grown cells are genetically engineered to keep proliferating, much like cancer cells.\u201d That is a good, easy to understand summary of the studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under 3.7 Genetic Modification<\/strong>, this author states<\/a>, \u201cconcerns remain regarding genomic stability and potential tumorigenicity<\/a> (cancer causing) after genetic modification\u201d, a legitimate concern<\/a>. Genetic modification isn’t the only concern, other concerns about lab grown meat are also discussed in the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2024 review<\/a> of cell expansion in cultivated meat reiterates the ongoing concern and the need for addressing the issues further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article<\/a> addressed the issue of genetic engineering in lab meat, how those processes are not being disclosed, and other concerns. It is easy to read and exposes the dangers of cultivated meat along with the deceit behind it. Studies validate information in the article. The World Economic Forum also promotes<\/a> this deceit by leaving the truth out. Shocker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having been repeatedly advised to \u201cfollow the science<\/a>\u201c, study details are documented here to validate that science is being followed. No disinformation here folks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No studies on the effect these products have in human health could be found. Declaring these products as safe and approving them without knowing the effect on human health is irresponsible, negligent, and immoral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lab meat industry is ramping up with a revised narrative<\/a> to entice President Trump and HHS Secretary<\/a> RFK Jr. to advance their product, however, it is unknown what stance<\/a> the administration<\/a> will take. Propaganda studies<\/a> and other information<\/a> will likely continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of yet, lab grown meat cannot be purchased<\/a> at the grocery store, leaving valuable time for Idaho legislators to put the much needed protections in place, at least mandating a label to warn and protect Idahoans. For further awareness, companies producing lab grown meat can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Idaho legislators should be educated on this issue and Rep. Scott should reintroduce this legislation again next session. Perhaps it would be even better if Idaho followed suit of other states and completely banned lab grown meat. Remind legislators that the science is being followed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Idaho HB 24 would have \u201cestablished labeling requirements for alternative animal protein products sold in Idaho, such as lab-grown meat and insect-based proteins.\u201d Rep. Scott presented it to the House Agricultural Affairs Committee on January 16, 2025, and Rep. Garner made a motion to introduce it. On February 4, 2025 HB 24 was again discussed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":18481,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[243],"tags":[53,1520],"class_list":["post-18480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opinions-op-eds","tag-idaho-legislature","tag-meat","cat-243-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18480","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18480"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18480\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18482,"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18480\/revisions\/18482"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18481"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18480"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18480"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gemstatepatriot.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18480"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}